Savannah Music Festival Standing at Global Roots Music Crossroads
Savannah Music Festival – A Uniting Musical Melange
Positioned at the crossroads of global roots music, the Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is expanding its reach, busting through the traditional confines and entr’actes of the musical diaspora. The festival, now in its 35th season, is looking forward to connecting its audience with a memorable musical experience that spans continents and genres.
A Global Music Galore
The festival will kick off on March 28 with a performance by Malian superstar Oumou Sangaré and wind down on April 13 with the Goya-inspired flamenco performance by Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca. Throughout the 17-day festival period, audiences will witness a wide array of performances across different music genres, ranging from classical operas to jazz, and from international music to Zydeco. Savannah Music Festival aims to bring the world to one city in one grand, harmonic conclave.
Opening Performances
The official commencement of the festival is set for March 23, with a “Spring Fling Benefit Party and Concert,” aimed at raising funds for SMF’s annual artistic and educational programs. One notable performer in the lineup is the distinctively rich-voiced Samara Joy, who will grace the stage at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts as a part of the Faircloth Jazz Series.
Milestone Performances & Collaborations
In an exciting twist, the festival will feature Grammy-winning performer, Renée Fleming, with her solo show, “Voice of Nature: The Anthropecene,” on March 31. An iconic individual in the art world, Fleming was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the Arts and Health by the World Health Organization due to her advocacy for the integration of arts, health, and neuroscience. In conjunction with the Savannah Cultural Arts Center, Fleming will participate in a free panel discussion, “Music and the Mind,” the following day.
Homecomings & New Debuts
This festival sees the return of some beloved artists, and the debut of promising new ones in the music scene. On the one hand, it celebrates the homecoming of renowned artists like Joseph H. Conyers, the now-principal bassist for the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Gabrielle Lamb, founder of Pigeonwing Dance. On the other, the festival witnesses the debut of promising artists like singer-songwriter Madison Cunningham, who will be initiating her tour at the SMF alongside Argentine experimental pop sensation Juana Molina.
Extended Partnership
In its constant endeavor to reach out to more audiences, SMF has extended its partnership with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System and Gulfstream for the second year. Through this initiative, students along with an adult family member can avail free access to general admission shows at the festival. This also provides an opportunity for students to serve as volunteer ambassadors and even perform at the venue as part of student ensembles.
Additional Festival Features
SMF 2024 also introduces the Encore program, which allows members early access to ticket purchases and invitations to the festival’s happy hour events. Also, a new late-night lounge will be available for more intimate performances. Alongside, District Live at Plant Riverside has been added as a venue partner to extend the experience of global roots music in Savannah year-round.
A Unique Festival Experience
The Savannah Music Festival sets itself apart with its unique presentation of varied musical genres amid the rich cultural and historical backdrop of the city. Both for audiences and performers, SMF offers an experiential delight that goes beyond the music, taking in the culture, history, and culinary delights that Savannah has to offer.
For further information and ticket booking, visit the Savannah Music Festival’s official website at savannahmusicfestival.org.
